An aggressive approach paid off as Wellington made a strong start to their Plunket Shield cricket match against Auckland at Eden Park today.

The Firebirds scored at around a run a minute to make 380 on the Outer Oval.

Auckland were 0-0 at stumps, having had to face one over before the end of the opening day.

The Firebirds’ innings was built around Luke Ronchi’s 127. He scored his century off just 106 balls and he eventually hit 21 fours and a six before he was caught behind off Colin de Grandhomme for 127.

Having lost the toss and been told to bat, the Firebirds were in early trouble with both openers out by 31.Jesse Ryder had a good return to form with 72 off 66 balls to get things under way and Ronchi simply carried on.

Left-arm quick Mitchell McClenaghan finished with 4-90 to be the best of the Auckland bowlers.